Could this be an OS prob or more likely Hardware?

[DigitalCancer]

Ok..i've been through this before, thought i'd try again and see if anyone can help. I am going to post this in 'Tech Support' as well, so if the mods object..just LMK and i'll remove one.

My current setup:

OCZ 600w PSU
Asus P5W DH DLX
E6400 (stock w/ a Scythe Ninja)
x2 1GB GEIL PC2-6400 (stock)
x1 eVGA 7600GT KO
x2 Maxtor 300GB SATA2
x1 Samsung DVDRW

Ok...the problem:

When I boot into windows, i lag for about 5-7secs at the 'welcome' screen. HD light quits blinking for the time (even though the 'windows' sound will play just before') and then it continues to load as usual. Well, it does this AFTER a reboot. Its usually whenever i install a program (not anything specific, its random) but earlier i realized that it had done it WITHOUT me installing anything. I can do a system restore, and it'll be fine (until i install something and reboot).

Now, to make it clear...

I do a clean install. Install my basic programs which consist of:

Winamp, WinRAR, QuickPAR, ICQ/MSN, FireFox, ALL updated drivers for chipset, video card, etc.

Then restart (everything usually ok).

I start to install bigger programs. (Office 2003, Photoshop 8, Media Player, DirectX 9, Nero, and...GAMES)

I usually restart somewhere before the games to make sure everything is ok...sometimes it is, sometimes its not. I had one instance where i installed Office, restart and it was hanging. I done System Restore, install Office again...restarted, and it was fine. SO IT'S NOT PROGRAM SPECIFIC.

This last install went really well, i had installed EVERYTHING, including games with not a problem. (this is when i go the new board) and i hadn't had time to do anything in the past couple days b/c i was writing my essay. I restart after a couple days of being up and low and behold...it hangs. I had not installed ANY programs. Just ran office and firefox...thats it.

Now i know you're saying this isn't that big of a deal, but it is to me, its just annoying.
Heres the things i have tried:

Replaced PSU (from 500w Ultra to an OCZ 600w)
Replaced Motherboard (from a Foxconn 975X7AB to an ASUS P5W-DH DLX)
Replaced Ram (from OCZ 800mhz to GEIL 800mhz)

- I have formatted, multiple times.
- used different install discs
- tried different 'windows' OS (media center - XP pro)
- I've installed all programs, one by one - restarting after EACH one is installed.
- got all the updates
- reset the BIOS
- updated BIOS to latest
- taken everything out and re-assembled
- i've ran memtest 86 on the ram (each stick alone, then both) 0-errors
- have scanned for Virus's with Avast & AVG
- Also used RegMechanic

Oh yea...heres screenshots. I used the program 'BootVIS' which will let you know whats starting up and everything. Look at the first program, 'explorer.exe'

This is my wifes

This is mine

 

[Nothinman]

So it's just hanging for ~10s sometimes?

 

[DigitalCancer]

yep, and its random

 

[Nothinman]

It's almost certainly a software problem, but I don't really see why you care. It's only 10s and it's not all of the time. Call me pessimistic but I've just given in to the fact that Windows does stupid crap like that sometimes and it's usually not worth the effort to fix. If there's nothing in the eventlog then you might have to find something to graph your startup times to see what's timing out at the end of the bootup process.

 

[DigitalCancer]

no no, you're not understanding.

the PROBLEM happens every once in awhile. It'll continue to delay for 10-12s EVERY time that i reboot until i do a system restore.

and i used a boot tool and it stalls on explorer.exe go figure.

also, i've done a format, i've used a different XP disc, none of which seems to fix the problem and i've never had this prob before my upgrade, which leads me to think my hardware. I've replaced the HD though, so i do believe its either the mobo or ram. i dunno which though.

 

[Aberforth]

try updating your BIOS

 

[DigitalCancer]

yep, done that already as well. Thought it might fix my ram issue (reads at 533mhz instead of 800mhz) but it didn't. But the ram can be "oc'd" to 800mhz and its fine.

 

[Nothinman]

If memory goes bad it almost always cause crashes not pauses. I guess if you had ECC memory it might just cause a few ms delay in reads from the bad chips, but that wouldn't amount to ~10s.

 

[DigitalCancer]

yea, i'm really leaning more toward the board, but not 100% sure. I don't know of anyone having this prob and all foxconn can tell me to do is try a different brand of memory. But as i told them, its pretty much random when it happens. I can do a system restore and fix it, install the SAME proggie that i had installed previously, restart, and it'll be fine (or it might do it again)

 

[jkresh]

sounds like something is getting corrupted during certain installs. Have you tried running a registry cleaner after those freezes instead of doing a system restore, its possible that would work (make sure to back up your registry before running the cleaner). Also have you tried doing a couple of install to see if it builds up (ie if you install 3 or 4 programs can you get it to hand for 20-24 seconds or more or does it always stick at 10-12)?

 

[DigitalCancer]

yea, i use RegMechanic, but it doesn't help with that issue.

And yes, i've installed multiple programs over, but its the same length of stall, around 10-12 secs, no more - no less.

I've just got done installing WMCE 2005, and it does the SAME thing...lol. So...any help would be appreciated. Possible that its the ram causing this issue?

 

[DigitalCancer]

anyone?

 

[DigitalCancer]

UPDATE:

Just got off the phone with OCZ and Foxconn and Microsoft...not one of'em could help me with this issue....what gives???

 

[DigitalCancer]

bump for a retry

 

[mechBgon]

If you haven't done so yet, take a look in your Windows Event Viewer logs. Anything in there that might shed light on your issue?

Also, you could try Microsoft's Installer cleanup utility.

 

[DigitalCancer]

yea, i've checked my logs, there's NEVER any bad. Just the regular stuff. Its driving me crazy not knowing what it is.

and, i think i have tried that installer cleanup, but i'll give it another whirl.

 

[mechBgon]

One thing I don't see listed anywhere in your installation procedure is security software. You have antivirus and have checked for viruses, right? None of your software is, um, possibly virus-bearing alternate variants of popular software normally purchased at stores?

 

[DigitalCancer]

Oops, guess i need to add that. I've used Avast and uhh, the free one..can't think of it.

Anyhow, no, this is the only software i've ever used, lol. Same discs, same stuff i've installed in the past. All has worked flawlessly. Its just during my upgrade its done this. Could it be possible that one of my programs are incompatible? Before this though, i was running an A64 3700. Granted not Dual Core....i mean, what it seems like to me is that it's corrupting the registry somehow during shut-down. Like i said tho, i've had it do it almost right whenever i start windows from a first shutdown. Then i formatted and tried again installing in the same order and no problem. As i said, i can install something, it be a problem, do a system restore, reinstall said program and it'll be fine even after shutdown...it really baffles me.

 

[mechBgon]

It might be interesting to see your HijackThis log, to see the services and startup stuff. I couldn't read your screenshot because it got shrunk by your image host, but if you upload a full-sized version of it to http://pics.bbzzdd.com in .GIF format, then post a link to it too.

Also, if you want to run Registry cleaners, be aware of the Microsoft Live Onecare online scanner, which can do a registry scan: http://safety.live.com/site/en-US/default.htm?s_cid=sah

 

[DigitalCancer]

ok, i'm getting HiJack This right now so i'll scan. Also running complete scan w/ the MS thing. I'll try and get a pic, but the ones i u/l'd should be a pretty good size...you can right-click-save as and it should come out full size. Give that a try if you don't mind, don't think i have the originals on hand. lol.

 

[DigitalCancer]

Ok...be prepared...here the HiJack Log

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:48:49 PM, on 4/18/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16414)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Avast4\ashServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Alcohol 120\StarWind\StarWindService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\ICQLite\ICQLite.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\temp\hijack\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [JMB36X Configure] C:\WINDOWS\system32\JMRaidTool.exe boot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast!] C:\PROGRA~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BluetoothAuthenticationAgent] rundll32.exe bthprops.cpl,,BluetoothAuthenticationAgent
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PWRISOVM.EXE] C:\Program Files\PowerISO\PWRISOVM.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\RunOnce: [ICQ Lite] C:\Program Files\ICQLite\ICQLite.exe -trayboot
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Synchronizer.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\AdobeCollabSync.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_01\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: ICQ Lite - {B863453A-26C3-4e1f-A54D-A2CD196348E9} - C:\Program Files\ICQLite\ICQLite.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ICQ Lite - {B863453A-26C3-4e1f-A54D-A2CD196348E9} - C:\Program Files\ICQLite\ICQLite.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O16 - DPF: {5ED80217-570B-4DA9-BF44-BE107C0EC166} (Windows Live Safety Center Base Module) - http://cdn.scan.onecare.live.com/resource/download/scanner/wlscbase8300.cab
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Avast4\ashServ.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe" /service (file missing)
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe" /service (file missing)
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: StarWind iSCSI Service (StarWindService) - Rocket Division Software - C:\Program Files\Alcohol 120\StarWind\StarWindService.exe

 

[mechBgon]

Unfortunately the pic is 800 x 500 pixels when I right-click-&-save, too

 

[DigitalCancer]

ahhh...i ran one last night, lol. Forgot..i'll get it upped real quick. See anything bad in the Hijack log? (i'm new to this proggie)

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: DigitalCancer
Ok...be prepared...here the HiJack Log

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:48:49 PM, on 4/18/2007

.
.
.

Smaller picture: you have some auto-starting or scheduled items there that you might have to live with or else disable. The Sun Java auto-updater, Adobe speed launch, updater and synchronizer, two IM clients, iPod service, Alcohol120 service, antivirus services... and probably Windows checks at boot-up to see if it needs patches too. Some of those have legit purposes and may take some time to do what they do.

Big picture: 5-7 second pauses at the Welcome screen, compared to the amount of time you're putting into this quest to eliminate 5-7 second pauses at the Welcome screen.

You can upload the HJT logfile into the analyzer at http://hijackthis.de for analysis. They do suggest killing off one of those items:

Must be fixed! Realtek AC97 Audio - Event Monitor. "Sypware" file used surreptitiously monitor ones actions. It is not a sinister one, like remote control programs, but it is being used by Realtek to gather data about customers

 

[DigitalCancer]

Ahh, yea...i USUALLY do disable all of that crap, just...this is a new install so i haven't done it yet. I can't find anywhere to upload this pic, everywhere downs it to 800x600. =/

I tried for bbzz, but they haven't emailed me yet so i can't u/l it there yet. MS is still scanning, you be around when it gets done? lol.